Ealing Amateurs faced the biggest test of their season as they turned out on a snowy and cold Tuesday evening at Vallis Way to face HAC in the Semi Final of the Middlesex Bowl. Ealing Amateurs are a Middlesex Merit Table side while HAC are currently 6th in London North West 2. However this was not to be the David and Goliath Cup story.

HAC came with a well organised defence, clinical finishing and great match fitness. This came as a bit of a shock to the Ealing Amateurs 1st XV who have not played on such a big pitch and against such high opposition. Due to this Ealing started a little shell shocked and conceded early tries. However there was hope, when Ealing went through their pattern they looked threatening and easily showed parity in the set piece.

The difference in the week in week out playing levels showed as HAC continued to capitalise on any line break to flood through with electrifying pace and convert their opportunities into tries. Ealing Amateurs spirit was never deterred and with some substitutions new impetus was found. They finished the more dominant in attack and showed signs that they could compete at a higher level than the Merit Tables if given the opportunity.

All in all it is fair to say that HAC looked a very respectable outfit that defended well and took their chances when they came. Ealing Amateurs will take a lot from this game in terms of their development and experience and will look forward to the two semi finals at the end of the month. (MMT and North West Group Floodlit Cup).

In addition Ealing Amateurs 2nds and Exiles have also qualified for the semi-finals of MMT3 and MMT5 respectively. Our three MMT semi-finals will be played on 23rd March.